Granby High School Hires Odell Hodge, Hall of Famer as Basketball Coach

PRESS RELEASE

NORFOLK, VA – Granby High School is proud to announce the hiring of Odell Hodge, one of the most accomplished basketball players in Virginia history and an Old Dominion University Hall of Famer, as the new Head Coach of the Granby High School Varsity Boys Basketball program.  Hodge brings a remarkable basketball resume and decades of experience as a player, mentor, and coach to one of Hampton Roads' most tradition-rich programs.  Granby High School Athletics is a member school of the Virginia High School League and competes in the Eastern District and Class 5, Region B.

A Martinsville, Virginia native, Hodge is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Colonial Athletic Association history.  During his legendary career at Old Dominion University, he became one of only four Virginia Division I players to surpass both 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds, finishing with 2,117 points and 1,086 rebounds.

A two-time CAA Player of the Year and CAA Tournament MVP, Hodge earned numerous accolades throughout his collegiate career, including Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, First Team NABC All-District, CAA All-Defensive Team honors, and the prestigious Dean Ehlers Leadership Award for sportsmanship, leadership, and community service.  He remains one of the conference's all-time leaders in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots, ranking second in career blocked shots only to NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson.

Before his collegiate success, Hodge was the all-time leading scorer in Virginia high school basketball history.  Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury during his college career, he returned to lead the Monarchs to a CAA Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in his senior season, demonstrating the perseverance and leadership that have defined his life and career.

Hodge succeeds Levi Wall, who led the Comets program for the past two seasons.  Wall recently stepped down from the position to spend more time with his family.  Granby High School extends its sincere appreciation to Coach Wall for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the student-athletes in the basketball program during his tenure.  He brought winning back to Granby basketball.

Granby High School Principal Thomas Smigiel expressed enthusiasm about the impact Hodge will bring to the school community.

"This is not a typical high school coaching hire," said Smigiel.  "When you have the opportunity to bring in someone whose name is synonymous with basketball excellence throughout Virginia and who has achieved success at the highest levels of the game, it becomes something much bigger than filling a position.  Coach Hodge brings instant credibility, an incredible understanding of what it takes to succeed, and a commitment to developing young men both on and off the court.  We are thrilled to welcome him to the Granby family."

Granby Athletic Director Chris Harris highlighted the unique opportunities Hodge's collegiate experience will provide student-athletes.

"Coach Hodge's impact extends far beyond basketball strategy and player development," said Harris.  "His experiences as an elite collegiate athlete give our student-athletes invaluable insight into what it takes to compete at the next level.  He understands the recruiting process, the expectations of college athletics, and the importance of preparation in the classroom and on the court.  Just as importantly, he brings relationships and connections throughout the basketball community that can help open doors for our students as they pursue their own athletic and academic goals."

For Hodge, the opportunity to lead the Comets carries special significance because of Granby's rich basketball tradition and its connection to one of the sport's most influential figures.

"It's truly an honor to become a Granby Comet," said Hodge.  "This program has a proud history, and the opportunity to coach at the same school once led by the legendary Lefty Driesell is incredibly meaningful to me.  Coach Driesell was someone I admired for the way he built programs, developed players, and impacted the game of basketball.  To follow in that tradition is both humbling and inspiring. I'm excited to build on Granby's legacy, develop our student-athletes, and create a culture centered on excellence, character, and hard work."

As he begins this new chapter, Hodge is committed to building a championship culture while preparing student-athletes for success beyond basketball.  His vision for the program emphasizes player development, academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement, ensuring that Granby basketball continues to be a source of pride for the school and Norfolk community.

For additional information please contact Granby Athletic Director Chris Harris at 757-373-2870 or email jharris@npsk12.com.